Europa League: Roma vs. Athletic Bilbao Odds, Preview, and Picks (Mar 6)
A fascinating clash is set for the round of 16 in the Europa League this week, as Roma and Athletic Bilbao lock horns. Both sides will have ambitions of going all the way to the final this season, with the visitors on Thursday aware that this year’s showpiece will be hosted in their home stadium.
How To Watch
- When: Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 15:00 PM ET
- Where: Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy
- How To Watch: Paramount+
Odds
| Match Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| AS Roma | +120 |
| Draw | +230 |
| Athletic Bilbao | +240 |
Match Preview
Athletic Bilbao’s unbeaten sequence was ended over the weekend after suffering a 1-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid. However, there has been plenty to suggest throughout this season that the Spanish side look capable of reaching the Europa League final, which will take place in their home stadium in 2025.
Claudio Ranieri’s excellent start to life in Rome has continued over the last couple of weeks, as AS Roma have moved up to eighth in the standings after a fine run of results. Their winning momentum was maintained on Sunday after securing a 2-1 home success against Como.
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Bilbao and Roma will be colliding for just the second time this week, with the only previous meeting coming earlier this season. There was nothing to separate the sides earlier in the campaign, with the teams playing out a 1-1 draw.
Bilbao have a winning recent record in the competition after claiming victories in six of their last seven matches. But, they have suffered defeats in four of their last five in the knockout stage. Going forward, Bilbao have caught the eye throughout the campaign, scoring 15 goals from an xG of just 10.4.
Roma have been a strong possession-based team, with only Man United completing more 10+ open play passing sequences than the Italian side. The Italian side also showed their character in the previous round after battling to success against FC Porto.
AS Roma vs. Athletic Bilbao Picks
This is a match that could go in either direction. I fancy Bilbao’s chances to gain progression through to the next round, but the first leg in Rome could see the two teams playing out a draw.
Free Pick:
- The Draw
